Web Stories

Sigma Xi recognizes Alison Williams, Princeton chapter

Posted June 16, 2005; 08:27 a.m.

by Ruth Stevens

Sigma Xi has honored a Princeton faculty member and the Princeton chapter of the scientific research society.

Alison Williams, a lecturer in chemistry, has been selected as a Sigma
Xi Distinguished Lecturer. The Princeton chapter has won a Chapter
Outstanding Program Award for its CONNECT-ED program, which reaches out
to K-12 science educators.

Williams was selected based on the quality of her research and for her
ability to communicate her insights and excitement to a broad range of
students, faculty and the public. During her two-year term, which
begins July 1, 2006, she will have the opportunity to give talks at
colleges, universities and research laboratories.

Williams, a graduate of Wesleyan University (B.S.) and the University
of Rochester (M.S., Ph.D.), has been a member of the chemistry
department since 2003. She joined the department after two years as the
director of studies at Princeton's Wilson College.

Williams leads a research team investigating the properties of nucleic
acids in terms of their local chemical structure and environment. She
is a member of the National Organization of Black Chemists and Chemical
Engineers, and has spoken extensively on enhancing the role of women
and minorities in science.

The award for CONNECT-ED recognizes both Princeton and Rider
University, which jointly operate the program. Scientists and engineers
from Sigma Xi team with K-12 teachers to develop science and mathematic
units so that other teachers can better understand content and
connections.

The teams will present their work during Quest workshops on Princeton's
campus July 11-18. The workshops are designed to enhance teachers'
knowledge through hands-on laboratory experiments and field experiences
and to acquaint them with ideas to use in their classrooms.

Sigma Xi is an international honor society of nearly 65,000 research
scientists and engineers in more than 100 countries who were elected to
membership based on their research achievements or potential. Some 200
members have received the Nobel Prize. More than 500 Sigma Xi chapters
are located at colleges and universities, government laboratories and
industry research centers around the world.